The AMA "Members Move Medicine" series profiles a wide variety of doctors, offering a glimpse into the passions of women and men navigating new courses in American medicine.
On the move with: Brandi Ring, MD, a Denver obstetrician-gynecologist.
AMA member since: 2007.
How I move medicine: By giving a voice to those that might not otherwise have one, our patients and their families. I bring their stories about their struggles to get access to health care to our legislators and policymakers. I bring my experiences dealing with the frustration of getting coverage from health care insurance companies and access to affordable medications from pharmaceutical companies. I highlight opportunities in the health care system where we can do better for our patients. I keep trying to move medicine in the direction of safer, more affordable, and more sustainable care for everyone.
I work with patients who struggle to navigate the health care system and don't feel empowered to advocate for themselves. My AMA provides an effective platform to advocate for my patients, their families, and our communities. The AMA is my opportunity to collaborate with physician colleagues with diverse medical practices, cultures, and political ideals in order to improve the health of our nation and honor our profession.
Advice I’d give to girls and women interested in pursuing a career in medicine: You are amazing and smart and capable, and if you want to pursue a career in health care do not let anyone tell you that you cannot. It will not be easy, and there will be times when you doubt yourself when the process is hard. But you have the ability to become as big as you can dream as long as you do not lose faith in your own abilities and talents and stay true to yourself. To quote Dr. Seuss, ‘Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive that is Youer than You.’ Being yourself is so important.”
Aspect of my work that means the most: I love helping out families in times of huge life changes—bringing a new baby into the world or dealing with a new diagnosis of breast cancer or fetal loss. When they come in and they are having the best or the worst day of their lives, we have the ability to create lasting relationships with them that connect us together as humans, and this is incredibly fulfilling.
Learn more about AMA members who are relentlessly moving medicine through advocacy, education, patient care and practice innovation, and join or renew today.
